This will be our first trip to Panama City Beach, and I would like to know what the kids play with at the beach.

Since we're going to stay 3 weeks, I'm trying to decide whether to buy my 16 yr old twins a couple of boogie boards or just rent them.

Any suggestions on what else they might like?

Thanks!

Wait and buy the Boogie Boards at Super Wal Mart. They have a great selection and prices start at around $10.

Skim Boards are also pretty cool. Wal Mart has those, too.

If you guys are going to St. Andrew's State Park (recommended), take a mask/snorkel/fins and check out the jetties. All kinds of sea life out there. Just be VERY careful... it's easy to get hurt out there (sharp rocks). And stay on the beach-side of the jetties... wakes from the boats on the other side can be dangerous.

It's always fun to rent a pontoon boat and go to Shell Island for a day. Bring the mask & snorkel.

You can rent wave runners for about $50/hour and 16 yr olds would probably have a blast.

Have fun... I'll post more if I think of anything else.

Great idea on Walmart! I think we go by one on the way down, I'll look it up.

Snorkeling sounds like fun! But not by the jetties, that sounds like a little too much fun :)

Are wave runners the same as jet skis?

Most Wal Marts won't have boogie boards, etc. Stop by the one here in PCB (corner of Front Beach and Middle Beach)... they stock TONS of beach stuff and it's all reasonably priced.

Wave Runers vs. Jet Skis (jet skis are the stand-up personal watercrafts made for 1 rider... you don't see many of them around these days... wave runners are the bigger watercrafts with seats... usually seats 2 or 3 ppl)

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Oh, I can't wait for my boys to see this, thanks!

You guys need to hit the many Alvins Island beach shops down there. There are about 5 at least. Here is some information about our favorite Alvins. It is 3 floors. My favorite store.

Alvin's flagship store, The Magic Mountain Mall on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, even has daily live shark and alligator feedings! Add in personalized necklaces and custom embroidery, exotic birds and a mysterious mountain waiting to be explored, and you've got a full day's shopping and entertainment in one place!

Here is a link to the Sea Screamer. It is a awesome 150 capacity speed boat that goes out from the Lighthouse Marina. They definitely would like this probably. There is a coupon on their website also I believe. I tried to get my husband to go on this but he wouldn't.

http://www.seascreamer.net/

I will certainly check that out beachnut, it sounds like a blast!

I recommend the sea screamer as well...its so much fun!

BTW, I don't know about now. But when my son came with us to the beach when he was 19, he had to take a test to be able to ride the waverunners because he was under a certain age. It was a easy test, it was all in this magazine type book. Don't know whether they have to take that boating or water safety type test now or not, but he did 6 years ago. I want to go on the Seascreamer so bad. Might have to ride it without him.

I kind of wondered about that beachnut, it didn't seem like something they'd just let anyone do, at least I hope not since I plan on swimming in the water

Tia, you might just ask wherever you rent the waverunners from. Were you planning on taking a guided tour or just rent them and take them out yourselves? There is one place on the guided tours where you can get off the waverunners and stand and dig up sanddollars with your feet. The water is about chest to neck deep. And of course, they take you to Shell Island. Very nice area. And of course, there always is putt putt golf. They had some great putt putt courses down there the last time we played. The one I liked the best was called Pirate's Island I believe. If any of them are still there that is. With all the development going on, there may not be any of them left. And of course, there was the 9/10 of a mile go cart track called Hidden Lagoon but it may not be there now. BTW, don't let them know about Club LaVela. They have a teen night. But there will be plenty of other things to do. Hope you and your family have a great time.

Well, I wasn't sure what I had in mind with the waverunners, the tour sounds good. I won't be going myself, so that may be perfect for them.


Teen night at Club LaVela, now that sounds like fun! You were kidding about not letting them know right?

Well, yeah, I was. Some people may not let their kids go there. But I've read that it is an ok place for them on teen night. Here is the link to about us. The bottom paragraph talks about the area for teens under 18. From what it says, they have the teen party room up and running every night during the spring and summer. They might have a blast.

http://www.clublavela.com/aboutus/

that looks awesome, it's perfect for them!

You know, I do understand what you're saying about some people not letting their kids go to a place like that. I have a theory on that and here it is..

I feel that by the time a child reaches the age of 12 and definitely by 16 there is nothing you can do or say to make them do what you want. You can guide, and that's it.

It sounds easy, but dang.. I never learned that lesson until I reached 40, and still never got a good hold on it until after 50.. now I hope I have a long enough time left to enjoy what I've learned, and do some fishing too! :)

I forgot about the boater's safety course. It's required for anyone under age 21 operating a watercraft with 10hp or more.

You can get certified online ($15):
Florida Boating Course Certification

Or you can get a temporary boating certificate:
Temporary Boating Certificate Florida Vendors